Customer Reviews

Maria Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had not taken ballet lessons for several years when I picked up this book, but just by reading it, I was inspired to sit up straight, pull my shoulder blades together, and even (occasionally) point my toes. The book is especially intriguing because it integrates Ms. Tallchief's private and professional lives so closely, and because it contains many pages of beautiful photos. I cannot say, however, that this book is impossible to put down; I read a bit of it every few months.

My 6th grade reading group read this story (excerpt) from the book and we throughly enjoyed the segment. We used the internet to find more information about Maria Tallchief. They found the story helpful especially the two girls who find studying ballet in Wyoming is a less recognized pursuit than elk hunting and snowmobiling. Maria Tallchief's story is timeless and inspiring even 35 years away from her peak fame years. Our group enjoyed reading about a Native American who has made an impact on the arts world. Thanks. Mrs. Clark's 6th grade reading group, Afton Wyoming.

This book came very quickly and I needed it to design a book for a class project on this particular person. The book was in great condition and I received it just in time. Pictures were great and so was her story.

The nature of an autobiography is the intensity of emotion in telling one's own story. You will not miss that in this book. It is the autobiography of an adult written for adults, so the word choice and content in places reflect that. I did let my daughter (10) use it for a project-- but I preread entire sections and post-it noted paragraphs for her to use.

All in all, she is a facinating woman with a story of colliding cultures, competing lives, and a passion for life.

Before you ever decide to become a ballerina read this book! It tells what being a ballerina is really about! from the begining to the end of her dancing career and the beginning of a whole new life Maria TAllChief is trully a ballet legend! every ballet person past present and future owes Maria a great huge thank you for all the work that she has done to bring ballet into the forefront in the 21st century. She is a true superstar and a great woman.